A college is to hold an art show in memory of a "bright and beautiful" 17-year-old student who died suddenly.

Canterbury College student Sophie Pearce, from Dover, died in hospital after police and paramedics were called to her home shortly before 10pm on Saturday, May 25.

Now, the college has revealed it will be dedicating its end-of-year art show to Sophie - who was described by a teacher as an "outstanding young illustrator".

Principal Lucy McLeod said: "Our whole college community was shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Sophie Pearce.

"She was a popular student at the college, and a highly talented young artist who was progressing well on her Level 3 graphic design and illustration course.

"She was in her second year and had been progressing really well, showcasing amazing creativity in her work.

"We intend to dedicate our Canterbury School of Visual Art’s end of year show to Sophie’s memory this year, and hope to have some of her work on display to remember her by.

“We are all deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our whole college community are thinking of Sophie’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

The college is offering counselling support for students affected by the tragedy.

'Sophie was a outstanding young illustrator with a sparkling future ahead of her' - Rob Black

At the opening of an inquest into her death last Thursday (May 30), assistant coroner Sonia Hayes said she had been found unresponsive at her home in Dover by her mother.

Police were called and she was taken to William Harvey, where doctors fought to save her life.

Sadly, treatment was later withdrawn and she died in hospital.

A post mortem took place on Monday, May 27, but her cause of death has not been established. Her inquest has been adjourned until November 11 and will be held at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone.

Sophie was born in Dover and attended Folkestone School for Girls and later Canterbury College.

The college’s graphic design coordinator Rob Black posted on Facebook: “I still can’t find the words to communicate how devastated I am that this has happened. Sophie was a outstanding young illustrator with a sparkling future ahead of her at university and in the creative industry.

“Her achievements at college clearly show the dedication and pride Sophie invested into her work. Her tutors and classmates will all miss her humour, smile and the individual style she brought to us. My thoughts are with you all.”

Her uncle Mike Peace paid a heartfelt tribute to his niece on Facebook, saying she was going to “rule the world” before her death.

He said: “I remember the day you were born and I’ll remember every day and every smile in between.

“I’ll remember you constantly pulling my hair as a baby then to asking me for doc martens so you could be cool at school.

“I’ll remember you calling me uncle Ninal because you couldn’t say my name.

“I’ll remember taking you to your first gig just so I could be the cool uncle.

“I’ll remember how you were going to rule the world with your sass and wit.

“I’ll remember you being so bright and beautiful but it breaks my heart so much that you have gone.

'You were powerful in mind and in body' - Sonny Brown

“We will meet again someday but for now rest easy Sophie and know I’ll never forget you and your smile.

“Your were truly amazing and I’ll love you always, your Uncle Ninal.”

Jo Anne Readman said: “Can I say how lovely she was. I remember when Chris bought her round for a party wearing her beanie hat thinking how all teenagers aren’t so bad. She was one of the good ones and I’m so sorry for your loss she was such a credit to u all.”

Another friend, Sonny Brown, wrote: “A flower bloomed already wilting. Beginning its life with an early ending.

“Rest high Sophie Pearce. You’re a kindred spirit and I know you’re still here with everyone in essence, you were powerful in mind and in body.

“It’s heartbreaking to lose you, at least I had the chance to make a few memories with you? See you sometime in the future.

“I know you’re protected up there and we’re protected down here.”

A police spokesman said: “Police were called at 9.51pm on May 25 to reports of concern for a teenage girl at a property in Beaconsfield Avenue, Dover.

“Ambulance crews attended with police officers and a 17-year-old girl was taken to a local hospital where she later died.

“The girl’s death is being treated as unexplained and inquiries are ongoing.”

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